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September 21, 2015

UF Performing Arts Welcomes New Director Brian Jose

Brian Jose has been named the new director of University of
Florida Performing Arts.

Mr. Jose comes to the University of Florida from the College
of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University in Central Minnesota where he has
served as the executive director of Fine Arts Programming since 2008. In this
position, Jose was responsible for establishing strategic direction for the
program, creating a collaborative environment between Fine Arts Programming and
the faculty/staff of both college campuses.

Prior to his current position, Jose worked in various
capacities for the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of
Maryland, Arizona State University’s Herberger College of Fine Arts, the
Phoenix Art Museum, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony
Orchestra.

“I am so thrilled to join one of this country’s most storied
performing arts programs. It is an honor to take over for Michael Blachly, and
to build on his arts legacy at this great university,” Jose said. “I look forward to sharing my passion for the
performing arts with the UF and Gainesville communities.”

Jose, who currently serves as the Vice-Chair on the Board of
Directors for the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP), will assume
his new director duties effective early November.

University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) was formed in
September 2000 when the Phillips Center and the newly-dedicated Baughman Center
united under the direction of Michael Blachly.
In April, 2001, University Auditorium became a part of the program as
well. UFPA is responsible for building
administration, technical labor, staffing, business and fiduciary oversight of
these three facilities.

UFPA is a campus-based presenting organization. Each season, UFPA presents 40-50 different
events each season in the Phillips Center, University Auditorium and the
Squitieri Studio Theatre (a black box venue located off the main lobby of the
Phillips Center). UFPA has also
presented larger events at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. UFPA strives to present a diversity of events
from popular acts to classical to dance and beyond.

In addition to its presented season, UFPA facilities also
host rental events featuring local artists as well as national and
internationally known acts. Each season,
UFPA welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors to its venues for its presented
season, rental events, UF graduation ceremonies and more.

Inspired by the classic 1923 Jean Toomer novel Cane and
works by the musicians, composers, poets and actors of the Harlem Renaissance.
Starring the award-winning actress, singer and dancer Jasmine Guy, a modern-day
Griot, and the acclaimed Avery Sharpe Trio, Raisin’ Cane celebrates and honors
the legendary voices of the Harlem Renaissance through text, song, music,
movement and imagery. Raisin’ Cane was written and conceived by Harry Clark
with adaptation by Jasmine Guy and original musical score by Avery Sharpe.

RAGTIME

• October 22, 2015 at 7:30 pm

• October 23, 2015 at 7:30 pm

Location: Phillips Center

AT THE DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY, everything is changing…and
anything is possible. RAGTIME returns to the road in all-new touring production
directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and produced by the team
that most recently brought you THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SPAMALOT, ROCK OF AGES and
THE COLOR PURPLE. The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish
immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold – set in
turn-of-the-century New York – all three united by their desire and belief in a
brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theater’s richest and
most glorious Tony Award®-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Winning Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Musical Score,
this 13-time Tony Award nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life –
what it could and should be!